Police and safety experts are investigating the cause of a lift plunge at the Broadgate, London, branch of Holmes Place health club which resulted in a woman's death.

The lift had stopped at the gym's reception area but, as the victim attempted to leave it, the doors closed. The lift then dropped with her trapped.

She suffered extensive injuries and was later pronounced dead.

Holmes Place chief executive, Allan Fisher, issued a statement saying: 'This is a tragic event which has shocked us all. We feel it would be wholly inappropriate to comment any further whilst we are in the process of ascertaining exactly what occurred.'